SERAP Sues Akpabio Over Natasha’s Suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

SERAP described the suspension as “patently unlawful”.

The right group in the suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeks to overturn the six-month suspension, arguing that it violates the senator’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.

SERAP had last week called on Akpabio to immediately reverse Natasha’s suspension or face a lawsuit.

The lawsuit was disclosed in a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday.

SERAP, in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, is asking the court for “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept her new seat in the chamber.

The suspension not only bars her from participating in Senate activities but also withholds her salary and allowances.

SERAP, however, insists that this action is unconstitutional, stating that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.’

“Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.

“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out,” it said.

The rights group is also seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

In its legal arguments, SERAP contended that the suspension is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Punishing Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate.

“Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to express themselves and exercise their human rights freely,” the suit stated.

SERAP further argued that the application of Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) in suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan is in direct conflict with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression.

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP asserted.

Quoting Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERAP highlights that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

The organization argued that “the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”